Blackbird Class
(2318)

History

As a scout ship the Blackbird class has
assignments within major fleet operations as well as independent
missions. The ships exceed the performance of their outdated
predecessor types by far, concerning speed (Warp 8.3) and weapons
(5 phaser emitters, 3 photon torpedo tubes). Ships of this class
operate on either side of the Federation border in the Alpha
Quadrant. Due to their high velocity, the ships could easily
outrun Cardassian or Tholian pursuers. Nevertheless, three
Blackbird-class ships were destroyed in combat, five were
decommissioned. The ships which are still in service are supposed
to be decommissioned soon and will probably be replaced by the Saber class.